MTN Nigeria has announced the rescheduling of the MTN Champs Grand Finale to honour the legacy of its founding Chairman, Mr. Pascal Gabriel Dozie, who passed away on April 8, 2025.

The Grand Finale, which was originally scheduled to hold from April 30 to May 3, will now take place from May 6 to 9, 2025, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Dozie was a visionary leader whose pioneering role laid the foundation for what MTN has become today. For 18 years, from 2001 to 2019, he served as Chairman, leading with strength and conviction.

As one of Nigeria’s most respected businessmen and a champion of private sector development, he played a vital role in securing the GSM licence that launched MTN’s operations in Nigeria. His legacy continues to shape the company’s values and commitment to nation-building.

In a statement released earlier by the company, MTN Nigeria expressed deep sadness over his passing and extended heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.

“His unwavering belief in Nigeria’s potential and his dedication to its development were truly inspiring. His leadership at MTN Nigeria laid the foundation for our success, and his legacy will continue to guide us in the years to come,” said Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria.

The MTN Champs initiative, launched in 2023, with the aim of building future olympians for Nigeria. It is MTN Nigeria’s bold commitment to discovering and nurturing the next generation of track and field athletes across the country.

Following regional competitions in cities such as Benin and Lagos, the Grand Finale in Uyo will bring together the most promising young talents from across Nigeria.

The new date allows athletes, fans, and partners alike to honour the memory of Mr. Dozie while continuing the spirit of excellence and youth development that he championed.

As the country and the MTN brand continue to mourn the loss of a trailblazer, MTN Nigeria remains steadfast in its mission to empower the next generation, on and off the track.

European Commission has imposed landmark fines on tech giants Apple and Meta in the first enforcement actions under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a new regulatory framework designed to enhance consumer choice and ensure fair competition in the digital economy.

Apple was fined €500 million (£428.3 million) for restricting app developers from guiding users to alternative purchasing options outside its App Store, a practice the commission said limited access to more affordable offers and stifled competition.

The commission has ordered Apple to amend its App Store policies by late June to comply with the DMA, warning that failure to do so could result in further daily penalties.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, was fined €200 million (£171.3 million) over its ‘pay or consent’ model, which required European Union users to either pay for an ad-free experience or consent to personalised advertising.

The commission found that this model failed to offer users a genuine choice and violated rules governing data processing and user consent. Meta’s revisions to this model, made in November 2024, are currently under review by the EU.

Both companies have pushed back against the commission’s decisions. Apple announced plans to appeal, stating that the ruling was unjust and detrimental to user privacy and security. “Today’s announcements are yet another example of the European Commission unfairly targeting Apple in a series of decisions that are bad for the privacy and security of our users, bad for products, and force us to give away our technology for free,” the company said.

Meta also criticised the EU’s approach, claiming that it imposes undue burdens on successful American companies while allowing competitors from China and Europe to operate under different standards. Joel Kaplan, Meta’s chief global affairs officer, said, “This isn’t just about a fine; the Commission forcing us to change our business model effectively imposes a multi-billion-dollar tariff on Meta while requiring us to offer an inferior service.”

The fines are part of a broader effort by the EU to clamp down on dominant digital platforms, known as ‘gatekeepers’, and ensure they do not abuse their market positions.

The commission has also concluded an investigation into Apple’s compliance with DMA rules on browsers and default apps, acknowledging changes that have opened up more space for competition.

However, Apple remains under scrutiny for its handling of alternative app marketplaces, which could attract additional penalties.

The enforcement measures may further strain transatlantic relations, with some in the United States, including former President Donald Trump’s administration, criticising the EU’s digital regulations as disproportionately targeting American firms.

Despite the pushback, the European Commission insists that the DMA is enforced impartially to safeguard consumer rights and foster a level playing field in the digital market.